An uphill battle: A case example of government policy and activist dissent on the death penalty for drug-related offences in Indonesia

In 2014, newly-elected President Joko Widodo announced that Indonesia was facing a national ‘emergency’ due to high levels of drug use necessitated harsh criminal justice responses, including the ultimate punishment death. On April 29, 2015 executed eight prisoners condemned death for drug-related offences, seven foreigners, eliciting widespread international criticism. This commentary explores strategies employed and obstacles faced by anti-death penalty advocates opposed executions, primarily focusing on their efforts between 2017. We begin highlighting existing political narratives make an attractive option Indonesian government, before discussing key approaches as part efforts. It is hoped better understanding promote abolition challenges associated with these will help inform more systematic evidence-based approach policy, practice, discourse offences in Indonesia.